The votes have been counted. The mudslinging has subsided. Now it’s time for Delaware politicians and residents to head to Sussex County to literally bury the hatchet.

For more than two centuries, politicians of all parties, winners and losers alike, have filled the streets of Georgetown after an election for this uniquely Delaware holiday.

The longstanding tradition of Return Day begins Thursday morning with vendors, a hatchet-tossing contest, parade and politically themed celebrations that end with a free barbecue and lots of beer.

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Burying of the hatchet at Return Day in Georgetown.(Photo: Jason Minto, The News Journal)

Here are five things not to miss on Return Day:

1. The mayoral hatchet-throwing contest: This long-standing tradition begins at 9 a.m. at the Old Courthouse at 10 South Bedford St.

2. The returns: It almost feels like time traveling to see a town crier standing on the balcony of the historic courthouse in Georgetown, reading the returns from Election Day like they would have done before television and the internet.

3. The parade: This politically themed parade has Democrats and Republicans side-by-side among high school bands and nonprofits. It starts at 1:30 p.m. at Sussex Central Middle School and travels to West Market Street to King Street and then back to the school.

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Delaware State University marching band performs at the Return Day Parade in Georgetown.(Photo: Jason Minto, The News Journal)

4. Day drinking: Letting off all that political steam with a beer is almost a requirement at Return Day. But even though drinking in public is allowed (in certain places within the Return Day footprint in Georgetown), people should still be mindful of choosing a designated driver if they choose to partake.

5. Free food: Following the parade, reading of returns, burying the hatchet and other formal ceremonies is a feast. The free ox roast can be found in front of Chancery Court on The Circle.